Complete ban on slot machines in Prague

All licenses for slot machines in Prague have now expired. This means that as of January 1, 2024, mechanical, electromechanical and electronic slot machines will no longer be allowed to be operated citywide. Instead, players from Prague must now switch to online slots – they remain permitted. Accordingly, it can be assumed that online casinos in the Czech Republic will enjoy great popularity in the future. So far, the slot machine ban has only affected the Czech metropolis on the Vltava with its more than 1.35 million inhabitants.

Why does Prague ban all slot machines?

The Prague city council passed a law banning slot machines in 2020. However, there was still a transition period during which the licenses issued earlier remained valid – but this has finally come to an end as of January 1, 2024. Since then, all licenses have been invalid and there is a strict ban on slot machines in the city.

Politicians announced at the time that they wanted to improve player protection with the project. In particular, the negative effects of gambling on addicts should be reduced.

While slot machines are now completely banned in Prague, table and card games can of course still be offered in casinos. As a result, residents and guests of the Czech capital are at least allowed to play poker, roulette and blackjack in the casino. However, for virtual slot games you have to look for an alternative on the Internet.

Police authorities take strict action against violations

Just a few weeks after the new gambling laws came into force, the Prague police checked compliance with the regulations. Among other things, the authorities discovered 16 illegal slot machines in Prague, confiscated cash and made corresponding reports. At the end of March 2022, we at Casinova.org reported on the rise of illegal slot machines in Germany.